About Pitbulls

To know them is to love them.

Pitbulls are impressively loyal, bold and courageous animals. They are natually clownish, alert and intelligent…in other words, a whole lot of fun to have around! Many participate and excel in various dog sports and activities, including obedience trials, search and rescue work, agility trials, flyball and frisbee competitions, and weight pulling events. With their tenacious work drive and strong desire to please their owners, they are natural competitors and win impressive titles wherever they’re worked.

The soft side of the breed shows up in their gushing affection for humans – a desirable trait that was very important to the original breeders of this animal and remains so today. For this reason, many pitbulls work as certified therapy dogs in hospitals and nursing homes.

Contrary to popular belief, “pitbull” is not actually a breed at all. It is a term used to describe dogs with similar characteristics and those belonging to the “bully breed” families of dogs. Among others, breeds like American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, and mixes of those breeds, all fall under the blanket term “pitbull”.

Generally speaking, pitbulls have an astounding love for people, which makes them incredible family companions. They thrive on human interaction and are champion snugglers. Pitbulls are extremely affectionate, and the emotional bond between a pitbull and its human is unparalleled. The fun loving, spunky and affectionate attitude of the pitbull terrier is what most admirers come to love most about these dogs.

Pitbulls are terriers – they are active, energetic, enthusiastic, and have a zest for life. They have a powerful physique and are athletically talented so they typically excel at canine sports. The pitbull’s determination and high desire to please can make training relatively easy, but it can also get them into trouble. Without mental stimulation and human interaction, they can easily become bored. They are intelligent and make excellent guardians, though the pitbull is much too people-friendly to be considered a guard dog.

The real pitbull obtains its characteristics, such as indomitable courage, high intelligence, and loyalty, from the past history of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. This is a breed that is willing to please by any means possible, which is undoubtedly the reason they have been used for centuries in dog fighting pits. The pitbull will easily accept and adjust to changes, resulting from their love of people. These dogs are docile, agile, independent, and strong-minded. These qualities, coupled with its affection for humans, and children in particular, its off-duty quietness and trustworthy stability, makes it a foremost all-purpose family dog if researched properly and your lifestyle allows it. Pitbulls adore attention, and are best suited for indoor homes. Outdoor homes are not recommended with this breed, as they have come to be the number one target for dog theft. As with any breed, consideration needs to be taken to make sure that this breed is one that will fit your lifestyle, and that you can offer what this breed needs in a responsible family.

Pitbulls have a short coat that requires minimal grooming. An occasional bath is usually all they need. Due to their short coat, pitbulls do not do well when left outside in the elements. Not only do they want to be warm, they want to be inside with you. Because “pitbull” is a blanket term for multiple breeds, they come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Most commonly, pitbull-type-dogs are lean, agile dogs weighing about 40 to 60 pounds.

The American “Pit Bull” Terrier was bred for game purposes; both bull baiting and hog hunting. When those sports were outlawed, they were bred and used for the more widely known dog fighting. In mentioning the gameness of the breed, it is not meant to tag him as a fighting machine, nor is it the intent to praise this trait. The origin of the gameness is important in understanding the breed, the requirements for owning the breed, and why it is crucial that the pitbull be placed into homes that will not abuse the origin of the breed. The pitbull has an unprecedented origin of being game. However, these dogs were NEVER bred to be human aggressive, and quite contrary to many beliefs, they make excellent family pets for the right individuals. They were even once popularly known as the “Nanny Dog” for their exceptional love and nurturing of children.

Although the pitbull is an excellent companion, they are not right for everyone. Affectionate and loving, pitbulls are strong-willed and will make their own rules if you let them. They need a confident, decisive leader that will give them consistent structure and boundaries. It can be hard work, but your efforts will be rewarded when your pitbull is a well-behaved breed ambassador, making you the envy of all of your dog-parent friends for having such an awesome pup!

Pitbulls thrive on human attention and interaction so they need to live alongside of their human family. They would prefer a spot on the couch or maybe even snuggling under the covers!

Are you ready to raise some eyebrows? 
Owning a pitbull is incredibly rewarding, but you may be negatively judged by others. Unfortunately, there is a negative stigma surrounding pitbulls. Aim to break the stereotypes. It is important to be responsible and set the best example possible with your pitbull. When faced with negative comments or looks, let your dog show naysayers just how great pitbulls really are!

Once you’ve experienced the joy of owning a pitbull, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one. There is no love like the love of a pitbull!